Baltimore Harbor Dredging Contract Awarded to Weeks Marine for $25.2M, Aiming to Improve Navigation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,214,458 ($25.2M)
Contractor: Weeks Marine, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-10-15
End Date: 2025-06-16
Contract Duration: 244 days
Daily Burn Rate: $103.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: FY24 BALTIMORE HARBOR AND CHANNELS MAINTENANCE DREDGING, YORK SPIT CHANNEL, CHESAPEAKE BAY, MD
Place of Performance
Location: CAPE CHARLES, NORTHAMPTON County, VIRGINIA, 23310
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $25.2 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC. for work described as: FY24 BALTIMORE HARBOR AND CHANNELS MAINTENANCE DREDGING, YORK SPIT CHANNEL, CHESAPEAKE BAY, MD Key points: 1. The contract focuses on essential maintenance dredging for the York Spit Channel in the Chesapeake Bay. 2. Weeks Marine, Inc. secured the award, indicating established capabilities in heavy civil engineering construction. 3. The project's success hinges on timely completion and effective sediment management to maintain channel depth. 4. This expenditure supports critical maritime infrastructure, vital for regional commerce and naval operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $25.2M appears reasonable for a large-scale dredging project of this duration and scope. Benchmarking against similar Army Corps of Engineers dredging contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that likely drove a fair market price. The definitive contract type indicates a clear scope and price.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential infrastructure maintenance, ensuring continued safe navigation and economic activity in the Baltimore Harbor region.
Public Impact
Ensures continued safe passage for commercial vessels and naval assets in a critical waterway. Supports regional economic activity by maintaining access to the Port of Baltimore. Contributes to the environmental health of the Chesapeake Bay through responsible sediment management.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for environmental impacts during dredging operations.
- Weather-related delays could impact project timeline and cost.
- Ensuring long-term effectiveness of dredging in a dynamic environment.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Clear project scope and firm fixed price contract.
- Essential infrastructure maintenance project.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, specifically related to maritime infrastructure. Spending benchmarks for similar Army Corps of Engineers dredging projects are typically in the tens of millions, aligning with this award.
Small Business Impact
While the prime contractor is Weeks Marine, Inc., there is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses on this specific contract. Further investigation into the contractor's small business utilization plan would be necessary.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army, through the Army Corps of Engineers, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for construction projects, including site inspections and progress reporting, are expected to be in place.
Related Government Programs
- Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Environmental impact during dredging
- Potential for weather-related delays
- Long-term effectiveness of dredging
- Sediment disposal and management challenges
Tags
other-heavy-and-civil-engineering-constr, department-of-defense, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $25.2 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC.. FY24 BALTIMORE HARBOR AND CHANNELS MAINTENANCE DREDGING, YORK SPIT CHANNEL, CHESAPEAKE BAY, MD
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WEEKS MARINE, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $25.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-10-15. End: 2025-06-16.
What is the projected environmental impact of the dredging activities, and what mitigation measures are in place?
The environmental impact of dredging typically involves temporary turbidity and potential disruption to benthic habitats. Mitigation measures often include silt curtains to contain sediment, careful scheduling to avoid sensitive species' breeding seasons, and proper disposal or beneficial reuse of dredged material to minimize ecological harm.
How does the cost of this dredging project compare to historical averages for similar maintenance efforts in the Baltimore Harbor?
Comparing this $25.2M contract to historical averages requires access to specific historical data for Baltimore Harbor dredging. Factors like inflation, changes in environmental regulations, and the volume of material to be removed significantly influence costs, making direct comparisons complex without detailed context.
What is the long-term strategy for maintaining the depth of the York Spit Channel beyond this contract's completion?
The long-term strategy for channel maintenance typically involves a cyclical dredging schedule based on sedimentation rates and navigational requirements. The Army Corps of Engineers likely has a multi-year plan that includes future dredging cycles, potentially funded through separate appropriations, to ensure the channel remains navigable.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID
Solicitation ID: W912DR24B0003
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Kiewit-Turner a Joint Venture
Address: 304 GAILLE DR, COVINGTON, LA, 70433
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,214,458
Exercised Options: $25,214,458
Current Obligation: $25,214,458
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-10-15
Current End Date: 2025-06-16
Potential End Date: 2025-06-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-22
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